Adding salt to orange peels is more than just an interesting combination—it can be a surprisingly effective, eco-friendly solution for various household tasks. From freshening up your living space to acting as a natural cleaner, this simple combination offers a wide range of uses. Here’s a breakdown of why salted orange peels work and how you can incorporate them into your home.
Uses and Benefits of Salted Orange Peels
1. Natural Air Freshener
- How to Use: Mix dried orange peels with coarse salt and place them in open containers or breathable bags around your home.
- Why it Works: The salt absorbs unwanted odors while the orange peels release a fresh, citrusy scent, creating a natural air freshener. This works well in areas like kitchens, living rooms, and even inside closets or bathrooms.
2. Abrasive Cleaner
- How to Use: Combine fresh orange peels with salt to create a natural scrub. Use it to clean sinks, bathtubs, and pots or pans.
- Why it Works: Salt acts as a gentle abrasive that helps scrub away grime, while the oils from the orange peels break down grease, making it ideal for tough cleaning jobs without the need for chemical cleaners.
3. Moisture-Absorbing Sachet
- How to Use: Place a mixture of dried orange peels and coarse salt into small cloth bags. Hang or place them in damp areas like basements, closets, or bathrooms.
- Why it Works: The salt absorbs excess moisture, while the orange peels keep the area smelling fresh, making it a great solution for controlling humidity and musty odors.
4. Garbage Can Deodorizer
- How to Use: Sprinkle a blend of salt and orange peels at the bottom of your garbage can.
- Why it Works: The salt absorbs moisture and odors from food waste, while the orange peel’s citrus scent helps to neutralize bad smells. This is particularly useful in warmer months when garbage can odors intensify and attract insects.
5. Natural Insect Repellent
- How to Use: Place salted orange peels near windows, doors, or directly on ant trails.
- Why it Works: The citrus smell from the orange peels naturally repels ants and other insects, while the salt acts as a barrier they are reluctant to cross, making it a natural alternative to chemical insect repellents.
How to Make Salted Orange Peels
Ingredients:
- Peels from 2-3 oranges
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
Instructions:
- Dry the Orange Peels:
- Peel 2-3 oranges, ensuring you remove most of the white pith to avoid bitterness.
- Cut the peels into thin strips or small pieces.
- Allow the peels to air-dry in the sun for a few days or dry them in the oven at the lowest temperature setting. Check them periodically to ensure they don’t burn.
- Mix with Salt:
- Once the orange peels are fully dried, combine them with coarse salt. Adjust the ratio of salt to peels depending on your intended use (e.g., more salt for deodorizing, more peels for air freshening).
- Storage:
- Store the salted orange peels in an airtight container, keeping them in a cool, dry place to maximize their shelf life and effectiveness.
Why Salted Orange Peels Are So Effective
- Eco-Friendly: Using kitchen scraps like orange peels reduces waste and provides a natural, chemical-free alternative to many commercial products.
- Multipurpose: From freshening your home to cleaning surfaces, salted orange peels are a versatile tool for everyday household tasks.
- Cost-Effective: You’re repurposing items you already have, saving money on store-bought air fresheners, cleaners, and insect repellents.
Practical Applications Around the Home
- Freshen up closets: Place a small bag of salted orange peels in your closet to keep it smelling fresh and free of moisture.
- Natural scrubbing: For sinks, stovetops, and even bathroom tiles, the orange peel’s oils combined with the salt help scrub away tough stains without damaging surfaces.
- Trash bin care: Keep your kitchen trash can odor-free by sprinkling the salted peels at the bottom of the bin.
- Insect deterrent: Use around windows, doors, and in the pantry to naturally keep ants and pests at bay.
Final Thoughts: Nature’s Simple Solution
Salted orange peels are an excellent, all-natural solution for various household needs. From cleaning and freshening the air to absorbing moisture and repelling insects, this simple combination can easily replace harsh chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives. Not only is this a sustainable practice that uses leftovers, but it also provides an effective, pleasant-smelling solution to many everyday tasks.
By incorporating salted orange peels into your routine, you can enjoy the natural benefits of oranges while reducing waste and avoiding harmful substances in your home.
